Can the New England Patriots pull off another postseason upset and capture Super Bowl XXXVI? Or are the St. Louis Rams just too strong? What are the key factors that will determine Sunday's outcome? Ask USATODAY.com NFL editor Pete O'Brien for his take on the game, live from New Orleans.

Nashua, NH :
Why do you continue to discount the Patriots after they made the coments you made last week seem foolish?... and so you know, because I don't think yo9u saw the game, when the Pat's played the Rams this year the game was soooo much closer than the score board indicated. Warner won that game. I don't think he has it in him to play like that this weekend. Pats 27, Rams 17...

Pete O'Brien:
First of all, you always look foolish when you wrong. You get used to it. But last week I did say that the Pats' hopes rested with a special teams touchdown from Troy Brown. Do you think the Pats would have won if not for the punt return and block field goal?

In the first game, the Rams nearly doubled the Patriots yardage total and were down 14 going into the 4th quarter. I did see the game, obviously we looked at it differently.Roanoke, Virginia :
Would you agree that the New England Patriots have a good chance at winning the Super Bowl, because they really do play as a team?

Pete O'Brien:
I just interviewed a lot of the Patriots this morning and I have to say, they are one confident bunch. They aren't letting the constant "How can you possibly stop Rams?” questions get to them. But the Rams are just the talented team in the NFL. I’m going with them.Montebello, CA :
Here's a non-Super Bowl question for you. If Norv Turner does not get the Tampa Bay head coaching job, is it a forgone conclusion he will join Dave Wansteadt in Miami, thus setting up Troy Aikman's return to the NFL?

Pete O'Brien:
It's certainly possible, if he's available, I can't imagine him not getting the Dolphins job. As for Troy Aikman, I hope he stays retired because the concussion thing scares me. But if Turner was in Miami, that would definitely entice him to come back.Dallas, TX :
The Pat's are pat with Brady? I wonder if Belichick asked himself if Brady can keep up with the high scoring Rams?
IT DOESN'T APPEAR SO!!
Bledsoe (ironically) is one of few current NFL QB's that can.
The choice from my perspective was obvious.
I beleive Belichick went with safe choice on this one and will regret it after the first half (it will be to late for Bledsoe by then). 42-10 RAMS.

Pete O'Brien:
I agree Bledsoe should start. I'd still like the Rams even if he did play but at least he gives you a shot if the Rams do score in the high 20s or 30s. I don't think Brady's style lights up a scoreboard.Tucson, Arizona :
Is the firing of the special teams coach for the Steelers a move in the right direction, or was he offerred up as the sacrificial lamb??

Pete O'Brien:
The Steelers' special teams had been poor all season. The firing was justified.Honolulu, Hawaii :
What do you think the final score will be in the Super Bowl?

Pete O'Brien:
Rams 36-13. Although the growing feeling among the media is the Patriots will cover the 14-point spread.Austin, TX :
The Rams are coming into this game as a spoiled football team who's offense isn't playing up to its level. They've had homefield throughout the playoffs and have proven that their offense can be handled with a little speed and smart defensive stategy. That is what the Patriots have been all about the second half of this season. The Pats have sweat and played their hearts out to get to this point (beating Pitt in Pitt was more difficult than anything the Rams did this postseason, yet the Pats still don't get any respect). In my opinion, the Patriot defense is better than the Eagle's and the Packer's, and their offense is also less predictable (which may keep the Ram's defense from taking too many risks). I say the Pats are going to pull this one off, and the Rams will have no idea what hit them.

Pete O'Brien:
Let me know if you have a question.Ankeny, IA :
Pete,
Before the playoffs began, I took the Rams at even money to win the Super Bowl. Pretty good wager, huh?

Pete O'Brien:
Very good wager, get ready to make a deposit Monday morning.Boston, MA :
Hey Pete. I respect your views and opinions. I know you're picking the Rams, along with just about everyone else outside New England. Look, the Pats are NOT a team of destiny. There a smash mouth football team, who should've and WOULD'VE destroyed those "cry babies" you love, the Steelers! The refs kept them in the game, and it still wasn't enough for those chumps to win! This game will be similiar to the Rams last trip to the Super Bowl. I think they'll be more scoring, and the winner will be determined by the games last 2 plays......BANK ON IT! The winning score will be 31 - 24, so stop this blowout nonsense!

Pete O'Brien:
A lot of people agree with you. But I totally disagree that the refs helped out the Steelers.Johnstown, PA :
Do you think the officials
bet on NFL games, regular and playoffs?

Pete O'Brien:
No way.Stamford, CT :
Its no surprise that you are not giving the Pats a chance, see the following:
Oct 18
Stamford, CT : Given the inspired football the Pats are playing, where do you see them finishing in the AFC East.
Pete O'Brien: 4th, right between the Jets and Bills.
What part of the Rams defense do you think the Pats can/need to exploit? Thanks. Go Pats!

Pete O'Brien:
I think the Pats need to play turnover free ball, get least 100 yards rushing from Antowain Smith and get two touchdowns off big plays (special teams, a bomb, interception return, whatever). But controlling the clock with a good running game is key.Newark,Ca :
Can the Rams stop the run game of the New England Patriots?

Pete O'Brien:
Yes, and if they do, it's over.Peoria AZ :
Hi Pete - I'm a big Bills fan. Now that Van pelt has been re-signed, do you see Johnson being taken in the expansion draft or the Bills getting rid of him some other way?

Pete O'Brien:
I'd bet money that one way or another, Johnson is not back next year with the Bills.phila,pa :
how does the patriots offense match up against the rams defense? do u think the rams shut them down?

Pete O'Brien:
I think the Rams defense is peaking right now. I think they could be run on to a certain degree, but their pass defense is really coming together.

I think the Rams can keep Brady from getting anything deep on them.Boston :
I really believe the Pats can pull this off. especially after having such a great season as this one and making it this far with their defense and special team. Don't say that you didn't hear it from me first, but Pats will win by at least 10 to 14 points. In any event, the question that i have is, why do everyone automatically count off the Patriots of even remotely coming close of winning the Super Bowl although they've done so much to get their respect and prove to everyone that they can upset the odds?

Pete O'Brien:
The fact that they played somewhat of a cushy schedule and that they have so many starters that aren't high-profile players is the reason people have a hard time believing in them. But don't think that just because most people think the Rams will win that the Pats aren't getting any respect. They are. They just like to play up the fact they aren't the favorite as a motivational tool.Worcester, MA :
Pete,
Who did you pick in the Pats vs. Steelers? How about Pats vs. Raiders? Just wondering?
John Russell

Pete O'Brien:
John, you know who I picked. The Raiders got screwed and the Steelers just got beat. I hope the fact that I'm picking the Rams gives you hope! Enjoy the Super Bowl.Worcester, MA :
Why don't anyone have any respect for Pats? I think they are a better team than the Rams.

Pete O'Brien:
Again, people are mistaking admiration for the Rams as disrespect for the Patriots. The Pats are a fine team and will be even better next year. I just think (as many do) the Rams are truly special.Cranston, RI :
I can't believe you still don't have any faith in the Patriots. Last week the Pat's challenged Cordell. The way to beat the Rams is to pound Warner. You can't stop their receivers, you can't stop Faulk. Warner is "the weakest link". P.S. Thanks for picking the Rams.

Pete O'Brien:
You're welcome. And it's Kordell with a "K."San Diego, CA :
The Steelers looked right past the Patriots and lost the game. They were shocked by the defense.
Do you think the Rams will make a similar mistake, talking dynasty?

Pete O'Brien:
No, the the Rams have a healthy dose of respect for the Pats. But they have even more confidence in themselves. I think the real story of the game will be the Pats inability to move the ball on the Rams.Boston, Ma (go pats!!) :
Hi Pete!! Hope you are enjoying "The Big Easy" I am however upset that everyone is thinking it's going to be a blowout with the Rams this week.. If you recall you said this last week "But there not in the same class as Pittsburgh. I see a blow out." and we used all that bad press by everyone to try harder and win!!! So now you say "Rams in a blow-out" In your opinion What needs to happen for the Patriots for us to break "the curse" in New Orleans!!!

Pete O'Brien:
The Pats need to play their typical outstanding red-zone defense (holdiong the Rams to field goals) and get a couple of touchdowns off big plays. Number one though, is keeping the Rams offense off the field with a huge game form Antowain Smith.Washington, DC :
I've heard the Rams are only a good team because they play in domes. Does the turf/dome setting really make a difference in the performance of a team? If so, why do some teams get this unfair advantage? thanks.

Pete O'Brien:
The Rams are a good team no matter where they play. They are just better on turf because it complements their speed.Frederick, MD :
Can the Patriots defense play well enough to keep the game somewhat close? Despite having a good regular season record, the Patriots defense was average. Can they raise their game to this level? Thanks Pete.

Pete O'Brien:
The Pats defense was only average in terms of yardage, but they were great in the red zone. But on a neutral, turf field, I think it's going to be hard to keep the Rams under 30 points.Columbia, MO :
Will the one-week break between the playoffs and super bowl have any effect on the game (other than reducing the hype, mercifully)?

Pete O'Brien:
The coaches would prefer two weeks to get ready. The players always say they're focused and have a great week of prep. But I don't see how that's possible.kansas city, MO :
Pete, nobody is giving NE a slim chance of winning the game outright, but the all important question is, will they cover?

Pete O'Brien:
The have a good chance of covering. I don't think it'll happen because of the "despair" factor. Once the Pats realize the can't keep up. The game will get out of control.NY NY :
Will the Rams win by 20, 30 or 40?

Pete O'Brien:
My prediction is Rams, 36-13.Marstons Mills, MA :
In your estimation, how devastating would it be to the Rams' high-octane offense if Orlando Pace cannot play on Sunday?

Pete O'Brien:
It would be tough, but the degree of impact would also depend on Rod Jones and Ryan Tucker, who are also nicked up.m :
If Kurt Warner were to go down with an injury Sunday, who will the Rams look to? One thing about the Patriots, they have a great backup quarterback.

Pete O'Brien:
If Kurt Warner goes down, obviously every thing changes. The Pats would be better if Brady goes down.Bellflower, CA :
How do you feel about the 1st half spread of the Super Bowl? I believe the Rams are favorites by -8. Pats are fast starters, but I believe if they get a quick TD, then they can open this game up. What do you think?

Pete O'Brien:
If you can get the Pats and 8 points for just the first half, I would take it in a hurry.Milwaukee, WI :
Being a big Rams fan, I have one question for you, in order to win, which team is going to show up, the Offensive Giant that they have always been, or the Powerful Defensive team we saw against the Packers?

Pete O'Brien:
A good offensive showing and a great defensive showing.Bridgewater, NJ :
Pete you said that you thought this Rams team could be one of the greatest. My question is this, who would win? The '89 49ers (who beat Denver here in N.O. by 45) or this Rams team?

Pete O'Brien:
If you stuck them in a time machine, then Rams, just because of the increased size and speed of today's players. But relative to their competition at the time, I'd take the 49ers. They were awesome.Cincinnati, OH :
Blow out indeed. NE has had help from the men in stipes the last TWO weeks. Pete, do you think the refs can possible carry New England to a Super Bowl Win?

Pete O'Brien:
The refs never cease to amaze me with their blunders. Still, the answer is no.St Louis. Missouri :
Why do the Patriots think they have a chance? The Rams are far superoir, the ONLY way the Rams lose if they turn the ball over 3 more times than the Pats.? Do you agree?

Pete O'Brien:
Pretty much, the one concern is the Rams haven't ripped anyone in their really, really big games. Both their recent NFC Championships and the 1999 Super Bowl were nail biters.Arlington, VA :
Is the Rams defense really that good? They allowed a lot of points to some bad teams during the year. What's so different about their D in the playoffs besides a bunch of "unforced" turnovers? Go Pats!

Pete O'Brien:
You've got to remember, the Rams have so many new players on defense and had a new system installed. I think they're just coming into their own.Marstons Mills, MA :
This Super Bowl reminds me of the Colts-Jets Super Bowl. What do you think?

Pete O'Brien:
It reminds me more of Bears-Patriots.Boston, MA :
I am a Ram fan in enemy territory, they actually think the Pat's have a chance. What do you feel is the number 1 reason the Rams will crust the Pat's. I think Warner, you? Scott, the radio talk show had to cut me off yesterday, losers!! Stop by their booth for me, The Big Show2-6pm, now WEEI, all losers!!

Pete O'Brien:
I just the the Rams will get a big lead and then the wheels will fall off for the Patriots.Davenport, Iowa :
Do you really think the Patriots are better off with Brady at QB then Bledsoe. I have seen alot of one year wonders in the NFL before like Mitchell. Drews proven he's a winner and a top rated quarterback for many years.

Pete O'Brien:
I'd start Bledsoe. The Pats will need some big plays to be competitive and Bledsoe is better equipped to do it.Joplin, MO :
In the last game, Warner always seemed to be throwing into double coverage. Usually, the Rams run plays giving the option of 2 or even 3 receivers. Was there a lack of open receivers, and was this because of keeping players closer to the line to defend against the pass rush?

Pete O'Brien:
It was just a good game plan by the Pats. Now that the Rams have seen it, it'll be tough the Pats to come up with something just as effective.boston, ma :
The Patriots offense has scored too many points in the last few games. I think if we can keep the Rams under 30 points, the Patriots chances of winning increase tenfold. What do you think?

Pete O'Brien:
Huh, the Pats offense only put up 10 points on the Steelers and 16 on the mediocre Raiders defense.Tampa, FL :
Pete, I'm a die hard Pats fan and really hope they win Sunday, I know your thoughts on that. Quick question though, what is your opinion on the firing of Coach Dungy? And do you think they have a chance of getting a good coach to replace him? Thanks!

Pete O'Brien:
If they get Gruden that would be great. I didn't think Dungy should have been fired and he'll do well in Indianapolis.Comment from Pete O'Brien:
Thanks for all the questions. It's been a lot of fun chatting with you this year. Enjoy the game.